[Serum alpha 1-antitrypsin level in copper miners]

The level of alpha 1-antitrypsin in blood serum in copper miners was examined. Among 278 subjects not a single case of total insufficiency was found, whereas the partial insufficiency of this inhibitor was found in 4.3% of subjects. The studies of the total correlation indicated high indices of the ratio between alpha 1-antitrypsin level and lungs vital capacity in those with bronchitis, which would suggest that the decreased efficiency of the respiratory tract results form the hereditary insufficiency of this inhibitor.